Mumbai has plenty to offer anyone regardless of budget. If you’re looking for fun things to do without having to dish out any cash at all, then the city will not let you down. Here are Sudarshan Cars’ top picks for free things to do in Mumbai.
Places to Visit
Marine Drive
Mumbai’s iconic arc-shaped road by the Arabian Sea is a delightful place to spend early mornings, late nights, or anytime in between. Perfect for walks or quietly gazing at the waters of the sea, this famous boulevard is also known as Queen’s Necklace since the lights on it resemble a string of jewels if one were to look from an elevated point.
Colaba Causeway
While walking through the famous Colaba Causeway may be a bit of a struggle, it is a Mumbai experience you shouldn’t miss out on regardless of your budget. With numerous shops selling all sorts of items, from jewelry to eccentric antique pieces, this bustling stretch in South Mumbai is one of the best places in the city to people-watch.
Gateway of India
You are free to gawk at this architectural masterpiece by the Arabian Sea for as long as you want without having to pay a single rupee. Taking from Indo-Islamic, Indian, and Roman architectural influences, the Gateway of India happens to be the point from where the last British troops departed the country after India gained independence.
Haji Ali Dargah
A visit to this pristine white marble dargah (shrine), located on an island just off the coast of Worli, is bound to be rewarding for anyone who appreciates history or art. With free entry, there’s no reason to not go to this Mughal-style building constructed in 1431.
Asiatic Library
Visit the Asiatic Library or just sit by its steps and listen to some music or read a book!
Nehru Science Center
At less than a dollar for entry, the Nehru Science Center keeps kids entertained with science shows and exhibitions such as Spark Theater, a static electricity demonstration. A sky observation program offers a look at the night sky of Mumbai on Saturday and Sunday evenings, weather permitting. Some exhibitions cost extra.
Hanging Gardens
The terraced Hanging Gardens in the Malabar Hills neighborhood is known for its animal-shaped topiaries and fantastic city views. Come to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea or stroll along Marine Drive, a lively promenade skirting Back Bay from Nariman Point to Babulnath.
Vasai Fort
One of the most fun things to do in Mumbai is to visit Vasai Fort or Bassein Fort. Once used to build ships, this fort was owned by the Portuguese Army, but later overtaken by the Marathas. Surrounded by sea on all three sides, the fort is almost in its ruins, except three chapels and rock pillars. Hiking up to the terrace of the fort and admiring the surrounding beauty is a favourite activity of the tourists, visiting here.
Chor Bazaar
Good news shopaholics! Indulge in crazy shopping at chor bazaar, one of the most buzzing Mumbai markets. Pick up handicrafts, trinkets, home decors, souvenirs and curio items like brass statues, bronze sculptures and vinatge kettles, Bollywood posters, antique lamps, clocks, cameras and gramophone records. Chor Bazaar stands out in terms of shops and collections from other markets of Mumbai and spending some hours there and grabbing best of the knick knacks, is surely one of the fun things to do in Mumbai.
Flamingo Watching
Amidst all the skyscrapers, Mumbai also has patches of greenery that host thousands of flamingoes, cranes, egrets and other birds every year for about four months. Starting from November, when the migratory season sets in, till March, you can spot these birds at Sewri, a neighborhood near South Mumbai. Plan an early morning visit to Sewri jetty to catch a glimpse of all of them together in the backdrop of the rising sun, and be sure to pack your binoculars along.
Must Try Food in Mumbai
- White Biryani at Noor Mohmaddi
- Bun Maska and Mava Samosa of Mervan’s
- Samosa with Chola at Guru Kripa
- Strawberry and Cream (Seasonal) at Bachellor’s
- Panaki, Veg.Malpoa, Khichdi at Swati Snacks
- Ice Cream Sandwich/Biscuit at K. Rustom
- Pav Bhaji and Masala Pav at Sardar
- Bademiya’s rolls
- Vada Pav at Ashok Vada Pav
- Onion Rings at New Yorker
How To Get Here
By Air
Mumbai Airport or Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, located around 30 km away from the city centre, is one of the busiest airports in India. Spread across an area of 1,850 acres, the airport handles more than 800 airplane movements on a day to day basis. While Terminal 1-A (domestic) is dedicated to Air India and GoAir flights, Terminal 1-B serves carriers such as SpiceJet, Jet Airways and IndiGo. These airlines connect Mumbai with major Indian cities such as Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Allahabad, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Patna, Goa and Lucknow, to mention a few.
The star attraction of Mumbai airport is the new terminal T-2, which serves international carriers, including Air China, Air France, Lufthansa, Kuwait Airways and Iran Air, among others. Jet Airways operate regular flights for Mumbai from Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Singapore, Bangkok, Brussels, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kuwait, London, Newark and Paris. After reaching the airport, travellers can hire taxis from the prepaid booth outside to reach the destination in Mumbai.
By Road
Mumbai Central Bus Station, located in the centre of Mumbai, is the main bus terminus in the city. Buses of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operate from here and provide frequent luxury, semi-luxury, express and passenger buses for destinations like Bhandara, Nasik, Solapur and Jalna, among others. Inter-state buses are also available from here for prime cities in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Those travelling from Pune to Mumbai (150 km) can drive through the well-maintained Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a journey of about 3 hours. The drive from Goa to Mumbai takes around 12 to 13 hours via NH 17 and NH 66, depending upon traffic.
By Train
Mumbai is well linked with other parts of the country by a huge network of trains. Those travelling from central, eastern and western parts of India can book their tickets till Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus while travellers arriving from the north are served by Mumbai Central Station. Apart from these two major railheads, there are others such as Dadar Railway Station and Kalyani Railway Station serving the city of Mumbai. Buses, cabs and taxis are easily available from outside the railway stations.